High numbers of tourists to Hong Kong after coronavirus

The tourism sector in many of the world’s most major countries, China, has suffered a severe blow as a result of the covid19 pandemic, amid a lockdown in which the world has lived for a long time.

The number of tourists coming to Hong Kong administrative region from China has increased since customs clearance resumed last January, with the single-day number reaching a record high of 102,458 last Saturday, according to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Tourists in Hong Kong gathered in front of popular shops and brands in tourist areas, while others went to play and shop in some outdoor areas.

Hong Kong has launched an array of preferential measures for mainland tourist. For example, the MTR Corporation plans to send out 100,000 airport express tickets, tourist day pass tickets, and high-speed rail tickets with a discount of 30 yuan respectively to the mainland tourists.

To further attract tourists, the Hong Kong Tourism Council launched a promotional campaign entitled “Hello Hong Kong”. Not only is it giving away 500,000 free air tickets over the next six months, but it has also prepared over a million consumption vouchers to restaurants, shops, and attractions to welcome guests with open arms.

Hong Kong’s economy is expected to grow by 3.5% to 5.5% in 2023 following a 3.5% contraction in 2022. April could help boost this, with over 9 million people expected to travel to the city for the Qingming Festival and Easter week, the first long holiday since COVID-19 measures were lifted. 

Statistics revealed that 56 million tourists arrived in Hong Kong in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic began. This could be achieved again during this year 2023, amid the local authorities’ attractions to tourists.